Brandeis University
About Brandeis University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Brandeis University is a private research university in Waltham, Massachusetts, just outside Boston. Founded in 1948, it is known for its strong programs in economics, biology, computer science, and public policy, with a commitment to social justice and academic rigor.
Founded
1948
Location
Waltham, Massachusetts
Students
5,191
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
40.5%
Selective
Graduation Rate
86%
Above national average
Tuition
$68,080
Per year
Avg Net Price
$35,736
After financial aid
SAT Average
1462
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$77,231
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Very Selective
40.5 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$80
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Jan 1
Brandeis University accepts 40.5% of applicants, with admitted students averaging around 1462 on the SAT. If you're near or above that range, you have a strong chance.
SAT Scores
1462/ 1600
ACT Scores
33/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
86% complete their degree within six years
Retention
87%
4-Year Grad
82%
6-Year Grad
88%
Teaching Quality
10:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
74.3%
$/Student
$21.7K
Class Size
Small
82% graduate in 4 years, and 87% of freshmen return for year two. The retention rate suggests students are happy with their experience.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$68,080
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$19,944
Books & Supplies
$1,000
Total Cost of Attendance
$86,448
After Financial Aid
$35,736
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$13,363
Receive Grants
15%
Take Loans
28.2%
The total cost of attendance runs about $86,448/yr, including $19,944 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $35,736.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Brandeis University fund their education.
While in School
15%
Get Grants
Free money
28.2%
Take Loans
Must repay
$72,611
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$25,648
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$272/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The $25,648 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $77K within ten years. The numbers suggest the investment pays off for most students.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Brandeis University.
Gender
57.1%
Female
43%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
3,618
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
1,573
Graduates
16.3%
First-Gen
19 yrs
Avg Age
0.4%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 57% of the student body. 16.3% are first-generation college students. 19.3% international students bring global perspectives to campus life.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Small
Campus Quick Facts
3,618
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
R1 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
What Students Say
Pros
- +Near Boston with easy commuter rail access
- +Strong social justice mission and diverse perspectives
- +Small class sizes with accessible faculty
- +High-quality research opportunities for undergrads
Cons
- -Waltham is not the most exciting town
- -Small school limits social and extracurricular options
- -Campus dining could be better
- -Winter weather in New England is harsh
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Brandeis University fields 9 varsity teams with 422 student athletes, about 12% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division III without football
Conference
University
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
9
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
422
12% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
56% / 44%
235
Men
187
Women
7
Men's Teams
8
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Brandeis Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$77,231
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Biology, General
$37K
170 grads
1yr Earnings
Economics
$57K
141 grads
1yr Earnings
Business/Commerce, General
$56K
111 grads
1yr Earnings
Research and Experimental Psychology
$37K
109 grads
1yr Earnings
Public Policy Analysis
$40K
101 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer Science
$80K
92 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $53K at six years, $58K at eight, and $77K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Brandeis University
What is the acceptance rate at Brandeis University?▾
How much does Brandeis University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Brandeis University?▾
How much do Brandeis University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.